UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier is in the books and the night was one to remember.
First, the card was stacked with incredible matchups. Even on the prelims former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz went to war. Dominick Cruz demonstrated why he is still a viable contender at bantamweight after earning a hard-fought decision despite being in trouble early.
The curtain opener showcased another incredible knockout performance from “Sugar” Sean O’Malley. The young bantamweight didn’t give Raulian Paiva much of a chance to get going and scored the KO in round one. Then, another former bantamweight champion returned when Cody Garbrandnt returned but lost against Citykickboxing’s Kai Kara-France by knockout.
UFC 269 Hosts One Of The Biggest Upsets Of The Year
Then, in the co-main event of the evening, Amanda Nunes made her return against Julianna Peña. “The Lioness” looked to be incredible shape at the weigh-ins. During the fight against Peña, the two started fast and furious and traded blows early. As one of the biggest upsets of the year, Julianna Pena got the job done after a chaotic first round.
WWOOOOOOOOWWWWW 😳😳😳😳😳 PEÑA!!!!! #UFC269
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) December 12, 2021
The “Venezuelan Vixen” sealed the deal after softening Nunes up with striking before securing the rear-naked choke in round two. Following the upset win, UFC president Dana White seemed open to offering Nunes the instant rematch.
Dustin Poirier and lightweight champion Charles Oliveira capped off the marquee card. While Poirier found success in the striking department early, “Do Bronx” weathered the storm. By the end of the fight, Oliveira took control with his grappling and managed to choke Poirier out in the third round.
Since UFC president Dana White indicated that Justin Gaethje was most likely next for Charles Oliveira, perhaps the Brazilian champ will need to take some extra time off to heal and prepare for a motivated Gaethje. Overall, the night was a rough one for those representing American Top Team.
With Gaethje being told he’s next to fight for lightweight gold, it makes you wonder, who might Conor McGregor be facing upon his return? While Poirier admits that his chapter with the Irish superstar will never close, it appears Poirer will need some time off after a busy 2021. With Islam Makhachev lurking over the 155-pound picture, it will be interesting to see how the lightweight division develops in the coming months.
The UFC 269 pay-per-view was filled with violent action top-to-bottom. Another notable fight that many circled on their calendar was the featherweight barnburner between Josh Emmett and Dan Ige. Despite coming off injuries once again, Emmett still put forth a great account of himself in the octagon. The American expanded his winning streak to four in the featherweight division.
With the unbelievable upset by Julianna Peña, the card will be remembered for years to come. Following the UFC 269 mayhem, here are what the pros had to say in the aftermath.
Fights React To UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier
Wow what a comeback. Rd 1 was brutal, Oliveira is nasty on the back.
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 12, 2021
DP @DustinPoirier you have nothing to hang your head over my brother. Belt or not you or a champion in and out the cage! Congrats to @CharlesDoBronxs
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 12, 2021
Champ looks tuned in
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) December 12, 2021
He fought like that without his glasses just imagine him with lasik
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 12, 2021
Man what a fight, both these boys gonna be so sore tomorrow
— BONY (@JonnyBones) December 12, 2021
Ok, imagine, it’s June 2022. I lost to the former champion after beating him 10-8 in round one, ROTY candidate. And the new champion the whole world wants to see me run back my FOTY with. Less than 1.5 years after making my #ufc debut. Ooooh…it’s good to be me. #ufc269
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 12, 2021
Next Fight I’m blonde!
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) December 12, 2021
Love Poirier but sometimes, styles make fights! Wow! Incredible performance of some back and forth action! #UFC269
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 12, 2021
What was your favorite performance from UFC 269?
